If you’re craving something comforting with a soft and cheesy inside, these Cheese Potato Spinach Bites are definitely for you. They’re the kind of sides that feels special but still super easy to make. Also, a new way to serve potatoes. Just a few simple ingredients and a muffin tin, and you’ve got golden little bites filled with creamy potatoes, sautéed spinach and melty cheese. Trust me, people will ask for more once they are finished.
Serve them with a cozy dinner or add them to a lunch table. They are vegetarian, easy to customize and also to prepare ahead. Make a batch pop them in the fridge and then reheat them in the oven or air fryer to bring back their crisp.
Kids love them too! The cheesy potato goodness hides the spinach so well, making them the perfect options for toddlers and picky eaters too.
Ingredients You’ll Need (Measurements listed below):
- Potatoes
- Fresh spinach
- Cheese (like mozzarella, provolone, or cheddar)
- Butter (melted)
- Breadcrumbs (for coating and topping)
- Olive oil (for greasing and drizzling)
- Garlic (optional)
- Salt
- Pepper
- Nutmeg (just a pinch)
Tips:
- Boil potatoes whole with the skin on to prevent waterlogging; the texture will be creamier when mashed.
- Use fresh spinach for the best texture, but frozen (thawed and well-drained) can work in a pinch.
- Ricing the potatoes gives a fluffier, smoother base, but mashing by hand is fine too.
- A pinch of nutmeg enhances the flavor, especially when combined with spinach and cheese.
- Don’t skip greasing and breadcrumbing the muffin tins—this creates a delicious crispy crust.
Storage
Leftovers? No problem! Store the bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to bring back their crispiness. You can also freeze them — once baked and cooled, pop them into a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen for a quick and tasty snack or side!
Variations
- Cheese Swap: Try sharp cheddar for a more pronounced flavor, or use smoked provolone for a twist.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter and cheese alternatives — they’ll still crisp up beautifully.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of paprika for extra warmth.
Cheesy Potato Spinach Bites (Crispy & Comforting Side Dish)
Ingredients
Method
- In a pot with salted water, boil potatoes with their skin on for about 40 minutes, or until completely tender. You can use a fork to see it they are cooked all the way through.
- Once tender, remove the peels and use a potato ricer to mash the potatoes until smooth.
- In a pan, heat a drizzle of oil (and a garlic clove, if desired) and sauté the washed spinach for a few minutes until wilted and reduced in volume.
- In a bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, sautéed spinach, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and melted butter. Mix well.
- Prepare the muffin tins by oiling them with olive oil and sprinkling breadcrumbs on the bottom and sides.
- Scoop the potato-spinach mixture into the prepared muffin tins.
- Add some cubed cheese to the center of each portion.
- Cover each muffin with more breadcrumbs and drizzle with a bit more oil.
- Bake at 400°F for 30 minutes, or until golden and crispy on top.
- Enjoy your savory potato-spinach bites!
